Faraci invites residents to submit nominations for Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame

CHAMPAIGN – To commemorate the achievements and contributions of older adults, State Senator Paul Faraci is asking residents to submit their nominations for the 2023 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame.

“We all have an older family member, friend or neighbor in mind that has made a positive impact in our community,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Their selfless acts deserve recognition, and that’s why I’m encouraging you to submit a nomination to the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame.”

The Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding accomplishments in community service, education, the labor force and the arts. Each year, four candidates — one from each category — are inducted.

Eligibility is based on an individual’s past and present accomplishments, and the candidate must be a current Illinois citizen or a former citizen for most of their life. Posthumous nominees are also considered.

Nominations for 2023 inductees must be submitted by June 1. For more information or to submit a nomination, click here.

Faraci’s legislation will increase accessibility to higher education

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure through the Senate Higher Education Committee that requires public universities and community colleges to provide all necessary coursework materials for rental, free of charge.

“This legislation will help college students save money and increase accessibility to higher education,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Textbook costs can be a significant barrier for many students, and this initiative will help alleviate some of the financial burden.”

According to the College Board, the average student budget for college books and supplies during the 2020-2021 academic year was $1,298 at four-year public institutions. This cost can be substantial and is often overlooked when considering the overall cost of attending college. A survey by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group found that 65% of students decided not to buy a textbook because of the cost, and 94% of those students worried it would negatively affect their grade.

The initiative aims to increase accessibility and attainability in higher education by addressing the rising costs of textbooks, which can be a significant barrier for many students. To help alleviate this burden, many public universities and community colleges, such as SIU, already include free textbook rentals in their tuition and fee costs for all or high-need students. According to two recent studies, these more affordable course materials can deliver student cost savings of 29-35% annually.

“The price of textbooks should not be the reason why someone cannot attend college,” said Faraci. “Attending college too often carries a significant financial burden, and this legislation will help alleviate some of that burden for students.”

Senate Bill 1895 passed the Senate Higher Education Committee and Senator Faraci is committed to having ongoing discussions on the legislation to find the best path for implementation.  

Faraci advances measure to honor Senator Bennett’s public service

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure through the Senate State Government Committee to rename and expand the ABLE Account Program in honor of the late Senator Scott Bennett.

“Senator Bennett was a tireless advocate for individuals living with disabilities and their families,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Renaming the ABLE Account Program in his honor is a fitting tribute to his legacy of service and commitment to improving the lives of those around him.”

The program, created and passed by Senator Scott Bennett during the 99th General Assembly, allows individuals with disabilities and their families to save money for expenses related to living with a disability without losing access to certain federal government assistance. Under Faraci’s legislation, the ABLE Account Program would be renamed to the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

The ABLE Program is a critical tool for individuals with disabilities and their families, allowing them to save and invest for expenses related to their disability without losing access to federal means-tested benefits such as SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. With a maximum savings limit of $100,000, individuals can rest assured that they have a secure financial future.

“It is my hope that this bill will help individuals living with disabilities and their families achieve financial stability and security, and honor the life and legacy of Senator Bennett,” said Faraci.

Senate Bill 2247 passed the Senate State Government Committee and awaits action before the full Senate.

Senator Faraci celebrates $550,000 in funding for Urbana Park District

SPRINGFIELD – The Urbana Park District is among the 118 recipients of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants distributed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Senator Paul Faraci announced Thursday.

“Investment in our parks and recreation not only enhances community engagement, it promotes physical and mental health,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This state money will have major positive impact on accessibility for more families.”

A total of $60 million in state grants are being awarded for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants represent the largest round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants in the 36-year history of the program.

The Urbana Park Districts plans to use the OSLAD grant to help build a new Meadowbrook Park Playground. The park district anticipates the playground will be removed this winter with new construction beginning in 2024.  The park district will help those wishing to reclaim the "Helping Hands" concrete pavers around the perimeter of the playground. Anyone wishing to do so should call 217-344-9583 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“This $550,000 grant is tremendously impactful for Urbana. The playground has always been an important play destination, and the next Meadowbrook Playground has been designed by the community for the community,” said Kara Dudek-Mizel, Park Planner. “In 2021-2022, the planning process included over 2,560 engagements via surveys, virtual meetings, open-houses, special events, special recreation engagement, and collaborating with kids in Urbana. With the award of the OSLAD grant, we are excited to begin final design engineering, bidding and construction. I am most excited for the increased physical, mental, social, emotional, and sensory play opportunities, as well as the accessibility and inclusion this project will bring for children and caregivers.”